Roar on the Shore® is celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2016. Presented by the Manufacturer & Business Association, along with more than 50 sponsors, the rally features five days of motorcycles, music and more. This year, the annual Bringin’ in the Roar® Bike Parade features celebrity grand marshal Paul Teutul Jr., star of “American Chopper,” who will lead 5,000 bikers into downtown Erie as part of one of the largest bike parades in the country. Here, John Kearns, executive vice president of Sales & Marketing at Erie Insurance, the rally’s parade and photo sponsor, shares why the company is proud to support this annual charitable event.
Erie Insurance has been a part of the Erie business community for more than 90 years. How does the company view corporate philanthropy and giving back to the communities in which it operates?
Community involvement is in our DNA at Erie Insurance. Supporting local causes with both dollars and effort is the right thing to do — and it’s a priority throughout all the communities where we do business. In 2015, our employees invested 4,644 hours in service projects across our territory. Erie Insurance’s financial contributions last year exceeded $3.7 million, including more than $600,000 in matching funds for employee contributions to nonprofit and educational institutions.
Erie Insurance was a major rally sponsor in 2015 and is back again this year. Tell us why you wanted to support Roar® for its 10th anniversary and this year’s charity, the St. Martin Center New Playground Project.
Roar on the Shore® supports causes that we care about, that make our community a better place to live, work and do business in. This year, it’s making sure that the children who go to St. Martin’s Early Learning Center have a safe, fun place to play and learn. We also recognize the great opportunity at Roar® to share our story and motorcycle product with an audience of more than 165,000 riders and bike enthusiasts.
Erie Insurance has been offering improved motorcycle insurance since 2015. Tell us about this coverage and how it has benefited your clients and business so far.
With our motorcycle insurance product, riders get the benefit of industry-leading coverage at a competitive price, backed by the exceptional service Erie Insurance and its agents are known for. Coverage is available for customized equipment and accessories to further protect your investment. First-party medical coverage can be added as well, providing additional protection for you and your passengers.
We’re in peak motorcycle season now and seeing strong growth throughout our states where we offer motorcycle coverage — Pennsylvania, Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, Virginia, Tennessee and the District of Columbia. Motorcycle coverage has been a great addition to our product portfolio, meeting the needs of existing customers and for attracting new business.
What type of coverage should bikers consider when they look for motorcycle insurance?
Liability insurance is required and additional coverages are available to further protect you, your passengers and the investment in your motorcycle. Erie Insurance offers one of the best products available, including options for insuring customized equipment and safety gear and Backfirst-party medical coverage. Erie Insurance is a full-service provider, so you can package your motorcycle coverage with insurance for your car or truck, and your home and business, in addition to life insurance.
What are some tips that you’d give motorcyclists to lower their insurance costs and keep them safe?
Take safety seriously — both on the road and in protecting the financial well-being of your family and loved ones. Talk to an independent agent representing Erie Insurance. You’ll get personalized service and advice for making sure you have the protection you need. Bundling insurance for your motorcycle, car and home with one insurance company can typically save you money, in addition to other discounts you may be eligible for.
Finally, will you be riding in the parade, and what are you most looking forward to at Roar® 2016?
I’m not a rider, though my wife had a motorcycle before we were married. Roar® brings great energy to downtown Erie. It’s an exciting time to be in the city and to be a part of this amazing event.
